When you think about a Door County getaway, you probably aren’t envisioning gliding down a beautiful ski hill. The county does have some nice ice rinks, cross-country ski trails, and some snowmobile trails. But ski hills? Not a one. This wasn’t always the case, and Door County used to be home to a couple of nice, if small, ski hills. A scenic hike in Sturgeon Bay will take you back to one of the old hills, and it offers one of the best views in Door County. You just take the Tower Trail loop, a 3.9-mile hike that leads you to an abandoned ski hill in Wisconsin.
You’ll find this beautiful trail in Potawatomi State Park, a 1,225-acre park in Door County, just outside the community of Sturgeon Bay.
The park was the site of a federal quarry in the 1800s, and in 1928, the state of Wisconsin purchased the land for a state park. The state added trails, picnic facilities, and campsites.
In the 1940s, the park began adding winter recreation facilities, with the help of a local group called the Sturgeon Bay Winter Sports Club. Soon, park visitors were tobogganing, ski jumping, and downhill skiing.
Various groups operated the ski hill over the years, and there were two runs and a chair lift. It was not a huge hill, but it was a scenic spot for skiing.
The hill closed after the 1997-98 season due to a lack of volunteers and a string of warm winters with little snow. There have been some calls to restore the old hill, but for now, you can leave your skis at home.
The ski hill is still worth seeking out, even though the runs are closed. The park’s Tower Trail will take you to the top of the old hill. It’s a 3.9-mile hike, and you’ll be treated to some incredible views.
When you're done with your hike, check out what else there is to do in Sturgeon Bay, courtesy of the Discover Wisconsin YouTube channel.
The trail is a little rocky, and there are roots, so walk carefully. Also, be on the lookout for poison ivy in the summer. But the trail is very tranquil and a good place to experience some serenity in Door County. Learn more about hiking in the park on the Potawatomi State Park website.
Door County has some incredible state parks – one has some of the best starry skies in the world. You can see more pictures of the Tower Trail Loop on AllTrails, and if you're planning on a lot of hiking in the near future, you might want to subscribe to AllTrails Plus. This premium app offers a lot of benefits for hikers, like downloadable trail maps that can be used in remote areas with poor cell service.
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